A Tip From a Teacher

"Tools, not toys"

At the seminar in Victorville, I spoke to you about the mantra we use in our classroom to remember that the manipulatives, etc., are not toys.

From the very beginning I teach the students this phrase:

"These are tools not toys. If they become toys, they become..."

They respond with. "Yours!"

It has been very successful especially since I teach special education and we use things like fidgits and yoga balls for students to stay on task. They repeat the mantra while using those as well. They get one reminder... tool not a toy. After that I simply walk by, hold out my hand, and they place it in my hand with no argument.

-- Loni Botterell
Specialized Academic Instructor
Challenger Elementary

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